Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signings of Manchester United youngsters James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye. The Gunners are on a youth recruitment drive this summer and are poaching two players from their rivals.
What's happening?
Arsenal are keen to bolster their ranks in the under-21s side this summer and have identified winger Scanlon, 19, and right-back Ogunneye, 20, as targets. Both players spent time away from United on loan last season and are now ready to change clubs permanently.
Why it matters for Arsenal
The signings are part of Arsenal's new transfer strategy, which focuses on recruiting young talent to build for the future. The club has already agreed a deal for 16-year-old England youth international striker Vincent Joseph following his exit from Liverpool's academy.
What comes next?
If the moves go ahead, they will follow a number of other transfers for young players this summer. Mylo Bernard, 16, has joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace after his schoolboy deal expired with the Eagles, while 16-year-old Axel Donczew is reportedly poised to leave Cardiff City for north London. With their recent form of 5W-0D-0L, and a 7-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, Arsenal are conscious that they need to have one eye on the future, with top-quality youngsters progressing through the academy sides. Their next fixture is against Coventry on 2026-08-21.
